The Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Eggplant holds a special place in my heart—I absolutely love it! Growing up in a Persian household, eggplant was a staple on our dinner table. I have numerous memories of my parents nurturing their own garden, where we grew our very own eggplants. Cooking with eggplant always takes me back to those warm, happy memories from my childhood!
What is Eggplant Parmesan?
Traditionally, eggplant parmesan involves breading and frying slices of eggplant, layering them with marinara sauce and cheese, then baking them to crispy, melty perfection. It's undeniably delicious, but let's be honest – it can also be pretty heavy.
This air fryer version offers a lighter alternative. This recipe ditches the heavy breading and deep-frying, opting instead for a quick air-fry session with a touch of olive oil, resulting in crispy, tender eggplant that's bursting with flavor, without all the excess oils.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthier Alternative: This recipe uses significantly less oil compared to traditional deep-frying, making it a lighter and healthier option.
Quick and Convenient: Traditional eggplant parmesan requires a multi-step process – breading, frying or baking, then baking again. This air fryer version cuts out those steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Perfectly Portioned: This recipe yields two servings, perfect for a light meal or as part of a larger spread.
Vegetarian Delight: This dish is a fantastic option for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Visually Appealing: The finished product is a feast for the eyes! Golden brown, crispy eggplant topped with melty cheese, vibrant marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh basil – it's simply irresistible.
Choosing the Perfect Eggplant
Picking the right eggplant is key to achieving optimal results. Here's what to look for:
Vibrant Color: Opt for an eggplant with a deep, rich purple color.
Smooth and Glossy Skin: The skin should be free of any blemishes or wrinkles.
Firm Feel: Give the eggplant a gentle squeeze. It should feel firm but not overly hard. A heavy weight indicates a good level of moisture inside.
Freshness Matters: Try to purchase your eggplant as close as possible to the day you plan to cook it.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
Use good quality parmesan cheese! The higher the quality, the richer and more complex the flavor will be.
No need to peel the eggplant – the skin acts as a natural vessel and is a great source of antioxidants!
Reheat leftover eggplant parmesan in your air fryer at 250°F (120°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed throughout.
Let's Get Started!
This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Here's what you'll need (full recipe card with measurements at the bottom of this post!):
Ingredients:
1 medium eggplant
1/2 teaspoon salt (for drying eggplant)
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prep the Eggplant: Wash the eggplant and remove the stem end. Cut it in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves. Using a sharp knife, gently score the flesh of each half in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut all the way through the skin. This helps the eggplant cook evenly.
2. Salt and Sweat: Sprinkle the cut sides of the eggplant halves generously with salt. Place them cut-side down on a paper towel-lined plate and let them sit for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, which helps prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy during air frying.
3. Preheat and Season: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) according to the manufacturer's instructions. While it preheats, pat the eggplant halves dry with another paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. Brush each cut side with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Air Fry the Eggplant: Place the seasoned eggplant halves, cut-side up, in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the eggplant is tender and slightly golden brown.
5. Layer Up the Flavor: Carefully remove the basket from the air fryer and spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the cut side of each eggplant half. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Cheese Heaven: Top each eggplant half with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
7. Melty Perfection: Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Fresh Touch: Remove the air fryer basket and garnish each eggplant half with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil. Let the eggplant parmesan cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Oven Instructions
If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious dish! Here's how to make it in the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Follow steps 1-3 in the air fryer instructions.
Place the seasoned eggplant halves on a baking sheet [insert baking sheet link] and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender.
After adding the marinara sauce, cheese, and following steps 5-7, return the eggplant to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Macros and Nutrition Information:
This recipe is a great option for those watching their calorie intake. Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 side of eggplant):
Calories: Approximately 240-260 calories
Protein: Approximately 14-16g protein
Fat: Approximately 17-19g fat
Carbohydrates: Approximately 14-16g carbohydrates
Explore my other meatless recipes!
FAQ
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Absolutely! Any variety of eggplant will work well in this recipe. Whether you choose globe eggplants, Japanese eggplants, or any other type, the results will be delicious.
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Aim for medium-sized eggplants, as they are easier to handle and cook evenly in the air fryer. However, you can adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of your eggplant and the capacity of your air fryer.
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Yes, you can certainly add breadcrumbs to enhance the texture and flavor of your air fryer eggplant parmesan. You can create a breadcrumb mixture using a combination of regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness. Simply add a breadcrumb mixture to the top layer above the cheese before air frying. This step adds a delicious crispy texture to the dish, making it even more irresistible.
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For the best results, make sure to spread the cheese evenly over the eggplant slices and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This ensures that each slice is perfectly cheesy and delicious.
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Yes, this healthy eggplant parmesan recipe is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet. By opting for low-carb marinara sauce, you can enjoy crispy air fryer eggplant parmesan that is low-carb and keto friendly.
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Absolutely! You can prepare the breaded eggplant slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook. When you're ready to enjoy, simply pop them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to reheat to crispy perfection. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
The Best Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for drying eggplant)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
Instructions
- Start by washing the eggplant and cutting off the stem end. Then, halve the eggplant lengthwise to create two equal halves.
- Score the eggplant through the flesh, careful not to cut through the skin. Score the eggplant again the other way, creating small squares. Gently turn the eggplant inside out to open up the eggplant.
- Sprinkle salt on the eggplant and let it set aside for 10 minutes to remove the liquid. Dab with a paper towel to remove the excess liquid.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once dry, brush the cut side of each eggplant half with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Place the eggplant halves, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the eggplant is tender.
- Remove the basket from the air fryer and spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the cut side of each eggplant half. Then sprinkle with the Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese over each eggplant half evenly.
- Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the eggplant halves from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Let the eggplant cool slightly before serving.
